Orange Velvet Pound Cake

Orange Velvet Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery texture of pound cake with the bright, refreshing flavor of oranges. Perfect for any occasion, this cake stands out with its vibrant color and two-tone glaze. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this Orange Velvet Pound Cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest infuses every bite with a burst of citrus goodness.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The two-tone glaze not only adds flavor but also makes your cake visually stunning.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with a scoop of ice cream, or paired with fresh fruit for a versatile dessert.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this masterpiece.
• Great for Sharing: This generous cake serves many, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Orange Velvet Pound Cake seamlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Bundt pan: Provides a beautiful shape to your cake while ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve the light and fluffy texture needed for the perfect pound cake batter.

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Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups (315g) cake flour (or all-purpose flour sifted 2x)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temp
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from 12 oranges)
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange extract (optional for extra punch)
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

Orange Cream Glaze

For the White Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• Optional: drop of orange food coloring or a pinch of turmeric for color
• Optional: 1/2 tsp orange extract for stronger flavor

How to Make Orange Velvet Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly or use baking spray with flour to ensure easy release after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2. Cake flour
3. Baking soda

4. Salt

5. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

6. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

7. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and optional orange extract.

8. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Glazes

White Glaze:

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Set aside.

Orange Glaze:

In another bowl, whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until glossy. Adjust consistency if needed by adding more juice or sugar.

Step 5: Decorate

Drizzle the white glaze over your cooled cake first. Follow up with the orange glaze for that beautiful two-tone effect seen in photos. Let set for at least 15 minutes before slicing into this delicious Orange Velvet Pound Cake!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Pound Cake

Serving Orange Velvet Pound Cake can elevate any gathering or celebration. The cake’s vibrant color and citrus flavor make it a perfect choice for various occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve slices of the pound cake with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Citrus Slices: Complement the orange flavor by adding thin slices of oranges or mandarins on the side.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the moist cake, creating a delightful contrast.
• Orange Sorbet: For a fruity twist, serve with a scoop of orange sorbet to amplify the citrus notes.

Drizzle with Additional Glaze

• Extra White Glaze: A drizzle of the white glaze can add sweetness and enhance presentation.
• Orange Glaze Swirl: Create an artistic touch by swirling more orange glaze on top just before serving.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on each slice for added richness.
• Citrus-Infused Whipped Cream: Infuse whipped cream with a hint of orange zest for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Orange Velvet Pound Cake

To achieve the best results with your Orange Velvet Pound Cake, consider these helpful tips. Each step contributes to ensuring your cake is moist, flavorful, and visually appealing.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough results.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this helps in achieving even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying glazes to prevent them from melting into the cake.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If glazes are too thick, add a little more juice or milk until you reach the desired pourable consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Velvet Pound Cake

When serving Orange Velvet Pound Cake, consider pairing it with these delicious side dishes. They complement the cake’s flavors and create a well-rounded dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy, crunchy addition that contrasts nicely.
3. Honey Roasted Nuts: Sweet and salty nuts provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cake.
4. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer a tropical flair that complements the citrus notes in the pound cake.
5. Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: A rich dip made from cream cheese and powdered sugar adds indulgence when served alongside slices.
6. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness that enhances every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an Orange Velvet Pound Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Mismeasuring Ingredients: Incorrectly measuring flour or sugar can lead to a dense cake. Always use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Bold Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the batter consistency. Allow ingredients to come to room temperature for optimal blending.
• Bold Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long after adding flour can create a tough texture. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
• Bold Neglecting Oven Preheat: Not preheating your oven can result in uneven baking. Ensure your oven reaches the right temperature before placing the cake inside.
• Bold Forgetting to Grease Properly: A well-greased pan prevents sticking. Use butter and flour or baking spray generously on the bundt pan.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing Orange Velvet Pound Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Orange Velvet Pound Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Orange Velvet Pound Cake different from regular pound cake?

The addition of orange zest and juice gives this pound cake a refreshing citrus flavor, making it lighter and more vibrant than traditional recipes.

Can I substitute other flavors in my Orange Velvet Pound Cake?

Yes! You can experiment with lemon or lime zest instead of orange. Adjust the juice accordingly for a different citrus twist.

How do I achieve a perfect glaze on my Orange Velvet Pound Cake?

To achieve a smooth glaze, ensure powdered sugar is sifted and mix with fresh juice until glossy. Adjust consistency with more sugar or juice as needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with vinegar or use any plant-based milk alternative you prefer.

How long does it take to bake an Orange Velvet Pound Cake?

Typically, it bakes for about 55-65 minutes at 325°F (163°C), but always check with a toothpick for doneness.

Final Thoughts

The Orange Velvet Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its vibrant flavor makes it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying at home. Feel free to customize it with different glazes or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste!